Representations of community in Second World War civil defence

Civil defence was organised as a response to the expectation that the bombing of civilians would be a prominent feature of any future conflict, and it included the warden, rescue, first aid, ambulance, decontamination, and fire services. This thesis shows, first, that community spirit was forged within civil defence by local groups of volunteers who were forced take on responsibility for developing group cohesion when it became clear that local and national government had neither the resources to facilitate this nor an interest in doing so. Community bonding was essential for the successful functioning of the services and for coping with fear and boredom. It was also crucial for boosting morale, especially because for much of the war there was a public perception that civil defence was superfluous. These communities believed that inclusivity and diversity were essential for their success, but boundaries were nevertheless defined and policed.

Second, it argues that representations of civil defence were developed not on a national or individual basis, but by local social groups in everyday life. Communities within civil defence were able to oppose dominant cultural narratives and express alternative narratives about their value because they did so in social groups. Sometimes the whole post was involved but at other times subgroups expressed their distinct value; chapters focus on veterans, housewives, youth, lovers and conscientious objectors.

Third, it explores how individuals and groups engaged with messages around the ‘People’s War’ and reshaped them in order to demonstrate the importance of civil defence. This links to a debate which began almost sixty years ago with Calder’s People’s War (1969), and which was redefined by Rose’s Which People’s War? (2003). This thesis moves the debate forward by examining not who was included in this image of the nation, but how a command of such rhetoric allowed individuals to explain their value within the war effort in specific ways.